Berbatov is the complete player, says Fulham manager Jol

By Mark Young

The 56-year-old manage praised his Bulgarian summer signing by claiming he can play in any forward position, with the striker scoring five and assisting three goals in seven games

Fulham manager Martin Jol has labelled Dimitar Berbatov "the complete player" after his strong start to the Premier League season, which has seen him score five goals and assist three more in seven games.

The 56-year-old was involved in a last-minute scramble for the forward's signature on deadline day in August as he prepared to fly to Italy for a move to Fiorentina, but finally got his man.

The Dutch boss re-established the connection he started by bringing the 31-year-old to Tottenham in 2006 - and the Cottagers are reaping the rewards by flying high in ninth place in the Premier League.

"Berbatov wants to play and float around and for me that's not a problem. I think he is the complete player," he told the club's official website.

"I know him - he had quite a good game against Wigan Athletic in the No.10 role, and he can play up front as well."

Despite the striker's moody reputation, Jol insists Berbatov is an asset to the squad for his positive outlook: "He's a pretty nice guy to have around. Most of the time he's smiling, because he just loves football.

He continued: "He's not like a kid, but he's like a junior who loves playing football. He loves training, he loves finishing, he loves taking penalties."

The Fulham boss revealed he thought he had failed to sign Berbatov on deadline day, but was relieved to finally get his man.

"On deadline day he was at the airport finally to Italy so I thought the transfer hadn't come off. His manager phoned me and told me to give Dimitar a phone call because he's waiting for the plane to go to Italy.

"Straight after the phone call he changed his mind and came back," he added.

The Bulgarian was in scintillating form as Fulham drew 3-3 with Arsenal last weekend, scoring two goals and assisting another to dominate the game and almost pull off a remarkable victory for the visitors.